Organization of an original business seminar: challenges, advice and unusual ideas

Organize a corporate seminar is an effective way to strengthen cohesion, motivate teams and boost creativity or the spirit of innovation. But faced with events that are often too traditional and sometimes not very engaging, companies must rely on The experience And the surprise to create an event that will make an impression.

In this article, find out 12 original activity ideas And practical advice To succeed in theorganization of the seminar, in particular the strategic choice of a atypical location.

Why organize an original business seminar?

A business seminar makes it possible to bring together and federate various employees around specific objectives defined in advance. Whatever the purpose of the various professional events, a traditional format can sometimes lack impact on participants.

Conversely, in organizing an atypical seminar, you multiply your chances of:

• Strengthen team cohesion and human connections between collaborators;
• Create strong collective memories, at the service of corporate culture;
• Stimulate the creativity, the motivation And theinnovation ;
• Valuing thecorporate image, both internally and externally, and strengthen adherence to the values of the organization.

Today, a seminar should be much more than a meeting outside the working environment: the seminar program should offer a full-fledged experience.

Practical advice for organizing an atypical seminar

1. Define goals clearly

Before choosing a format or location, consider the purpose of the event:

• What is the main purpose of this corporate event? (strengthen cohesion and team spirit, improve creativity, boost motivation, launch a project, offer a moment of relaxation...)
• What is the profile of the participants? (managers, field teams, salespeople...)
• What is the available length of time? (one day, two days, more?)

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2. Bet on an atypical place

The Choice of location Of the seminar is one of the key elements in creating a “wow” effect and making an impression on participants.

As part of an atypical seminar, an unusual place allows you to change the codes. You can more easily stimulate inspiration and creativity, and encourage disconnection.

In addition, the ideal location should make it possible to create a friendly and informal atmosphere, while offering optimal working conditions.

consultancy : choose a location that is aligned with your values and brand image. The coherence between the content (the message) and the form (the place) will reinforce the impact of your meeting.

The Formeret Group offers three modular event spaces exceptional in the heart of Paris, all with a rich history, a unique setting and multiple rooms fully equipped :

• Les Roofs of La Rochefoucauld with a superb roof terrace offering a breathtaking view of Paris and the Sacré-Coeur.
• THEEspace Cléry, a former private mansion, which makes an impression in particular thanks to its magnificent Eiffel style canopy.
• THEVinci space, also an old mansion dating from the 18th century, which stands out for its superb Inner courtyard And her vaulted cellar in exposed stones.

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3. Choose fun and unusual activities

A successful seminar should offer a poise between work sessions, collaborative workshops and moments of relaxation. The activities offered are essential if you really want to stand out.

Numerous sports, creative and fun activities are possible. Your choice should be made according to the objectives to be achieved, the profile of the participants, the location chosen and your budget.

Below are some ideas for team-building activities that are out of the ordinary to help you organize the seminar.

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12 ideas for an unusual business seminar

Do you want to organize an unforgettable and off the beaten path seminar? Formeret offers you a selection of varied ideas for your next professional event, adapted to different team profiles, objectives and budgets.

1. Collaborative cooking workshop

In teams, participants cook a themed meal (street food, world cuisine, tapas) or take on an original challenge (only mystery ingredients, no recipe...). You can organize this in the form of a challenge or simply in the form of cooking classes with an experienced chef.

This type of animation makes it possible to promote mutual aid and to work on time management, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Objectives : teamwork, pleasure, surpassing oneself.

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2. Collective artistic fresco

Suggest that your employees paint, paste and draw together a large work representing the company, a message, a value or a concept.

This activity works well in seminars because your employees will be able to give life to a unique creation that can then be exhibited on the premises. Moreover, they do not need to be “good at drawing” since it is a collective work that is generally supervised by an artist or illustrator.

Objectives : shared vision, creative expression, letting go.

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3. Climate Fresco Workshop or Diversity Fresco

These awareness-raising workshops are perfect for leading a seminar while addressing crucial issues for the company.

They make it possible to understand the mechanisms of climate change or the biases linked to diversity, in a visual and participatory way. These educational workshops make it possible to create rich debates and to raise awareness.

Objectives : CSR, collective intelligence, offering an activity that makes sense.

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4. Giant escape game (indoor or outdoor)

Create a personalized scenario around a mystery to be solved as a team, focusing on the values or history of your company, for example. These ultra-fun experiences are perfect for promoting collective thinking and group stress management, while offering a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Objective : cohesion, communication, problem solving.

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5. Corporate improvisation theater

Supervised by actors, employees will be able to engage in improv games, spontaneous sketches or even scenarios from a professional setting. These workshops are very effective in freeing up speech and improving cohesion through laughter.

Objectives : trust, communication, team spirit.

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6. Murder-party or giant Cluedo

Offer your teams a life-size survey where each participant plays a role. The aim? Solve puzzles and find the culprit using clues, testimonies and alliances.

This activity is particularly unifying, as it allows everyone to participate, interact, observe and collaborate. It's a very immersive animation, especially in an unusual place.

Objectives : logic, team spirit, immersion.

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7. Virtual reality (VR) animation

For an innovative animation, opt for an immersive team experience in virtual worlds where your employees will have to face challenges: collaborative construction, exploration, escape game, crisis management scenarios, role-playing games... The possibilities are endless, depending on the goals you want to achieve.

Objectives : novelty, stimulation, innovation.

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8. Zero waste or eco-responsible DIY workshop

Give your teams a real moment of creativity by making natural cosmetics, fabric bags, recycled paper notebooks or various objects from recycled materials.

Manual, ethical and rewarding, this type of workshop is generally very successful during corporate meetings. In addition, it allows each participant to leave with their creation.

Objectives : awareness, creativity, ecological commitment.

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9. Absurd pitch battle

Grouped into a team, your employees must invent a wacky product or service, and create a pitch in order to convince a jury of its usefulness. This creative challenge allows you to create a fun atmosphere while working on creativity, argumentation and persuasion.

Objectives : creativity, humor, persuasive communication.

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10. Solidarity and ethical activity

Organize a solidarity activity around a useful project: renovation of an associative space, shared garden, intergenerational workshop... This makes it possible to offer a seminar that makes sense.

Choose a volunteer activity that is important to you and that reflects the values of the company. Do not hesitate to ask for the opinion of your employees to choose.

Objectives : reinforces the feeling of belonging, values, gives meaning to the event.

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11. Custom treasure hunt or treasure hunt

Offer a treasure hunt or a treasure hunt with a personalized scenario outside or in workspaces. Teams will have to collect clues, complete tests, and cooperate.

This format is highly adaptable: the scenario can easily integrate the values of your company, the history of your brand or even internal anecdotes.

Objectives : adventure, reflection, team spirit.

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12. Video workshop or stop motion

Your teams imagine, write, play and edit a mini-video (parody ad, mini-fiction, report...). This animation makes it possible to create an interesting group dynamic and offers real added value to the event.

The videos can then be shown at the end of the day in front of all participants in a friendly atmosphere.

Objectives : collaboration, creativity, creation of memorable memories.

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Conclusion

One atypical seminar is much more than a simple professional event outside the company walls. It is an opportunity to create links, to anchor strong messages and to create collective emotions that will mark your teams and reinforce their sense of belonging.

Whether you opt for adventure, creativity or solidarity, the main thing is to create a memorable, consistent, and engaging experience. With good preparation, the right location and a bit of audacity, your seminar will become a strategic lever for your business.

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Are you looking for an atypical space for your organization of a seminar in Paris? Whether it is for the rental of a seminar room or the privatization of an entire space of the Formeret group, anything is possible! Our meeting rooms and event spaces are modular to meet your needs: work sessions, team building activities, cocktails, etc.

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